Preview — Wallis in Love
by Andrew Morton

Wallis in Love: The Untold Life of the Duchess of Windsor, the Woman Who Changed the Monarchy

For fans of the Netflix series The Crown and from the author of the New York Times bestseller 17 Carnations comes a captivating biography of Wallis Simpson, the notorious woman for whom Edward VIII gave up the throne.

"You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance." -Wallis Simpson

Everyone has heard of Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom Edward VIII so infamouFor fans of the Netflix series The Crown and from the author of the New York Times bestseller 17 Carnations comes a captivating biography of Wallis Simpson, the notorious woman for whom Edward VIII gave up the throne.

"You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance." -Wallis Simpson

Everyone has heard of Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom Edward VIII so infamously abdicated his throne and birthright. But although her life has constantly been the subject of much fascination, gossip, and speculation, her whole story has yet to be told. Now historical biographer Andrew Morton uses diary entries, letters, and other never-before-seen records to offer a fresh portrait of Wallis Simpson in all her vibrancy and brazenness as she climbed the social ladder, transforming from a hard-nosed gold digger to charming chatelaine.

Morton takes us through the cacophonous Jazz Age, a period of casual sex, cocaine, and screeching trombones; Wallis's romantic adventures in Washington and friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt; her exploits in China and beyond; to her entrance into the strange wonderland that is London Society. During her journey, we meet an extraordinary array of characters, many of whom smoothed the way for her dalliance with the king of England, Edward VIII, and we gain insights into the personality and motivations of a complex, domineering woman striving to determine her own fate in a harsh, turbulent world....more

Community Reviews

I've been wanting to learn more about Wallis Simpson for awhile now. I didn't know much about her other than she was twice divorced when she married the former king and both of them may have been Nazi sympathizers. I was hoping by reading this book I would learn more about their Nazi connections and just what it was about this woman that made a king give up everything for her.

She really was a piece of work, that's for sure. I pretty much came to the conclusion that you can't really trust anythinI've been wanting to learn more about Wallis Simpson for awhile now. I didn't know much about her other than she was twice divorced when she married the former king and both of them may have been Nazi sympathizers. I was hoping by reading this book I would learn more about their Nazi connections and just what it was about this woman that made a king give up everything for her.

She really was a piece of work, that's for sure. I pretty much came to the conclusion that you can't really trust anything she said because there were so many claims she made that have been proven false. Given I didn't know much about her before reading, I just assumed her relationship with the former king was a great romance but it actually in my opinion was pretty sad and pathetic. In a way you could say they both got what they deserved in the end.

I wish the book could have gone into more detail about their Nazi connections. I was hoping there would be a little more info but most of it was stuff that has been shown in tv shows like The Crown. Regardless, I think it is fair to say that their country was better off with the king giving up his title. World War 2 might have played out differently had he not abdicated.

I did end up learning quite a lot about her including her childhood, marriages, friendships, etc. . Given I knew very little about her prior to reading, I'm not sure if this book contains brand new information or just stuff that a royal fan would already know. Regardless, it does provide a good overview of her life and was full of interesting info....more

Years ago when I still thought that Wallis Simpson and David Windsor were a match made in heaven and soulmates, it was such a romantic vision. It was very disheartening over time to learn that although the former king worshiped the ground Wallis walked on, the twice-divorced American Mrs. Simpson was just looking to become HRH queen at his side. Her whole existence revolved around elevating her social position. In thThis advance reader copy was provided by Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley.

Years ago when I still thought that Wallis Simpson and David Windsor were a match made in heaven and soulmates, it was such a romantic vision. It was very disheartening over time to learn that although the former king worshiped the ground Wallis walked on, the twice-divorced American Mrs. Simpson was just looking to become HRH queen at his side. Her whole existence revolved around elevating her social position. In the process, she sacrificed true love. It's not the rags to riches or fairytale story with a beautiful ending.

I already knew this, but chose this book to read solely on the basis of Andrew Morton authoring it. He's famous for writing the explosive tell-all "Diana: Her True Story" that set the English Monarchy on its head back in the nineties. The writing and research was more than adequate. However, my distaste for both the Duke and Duchess of Windsor was never more deep than after reading this particular biography. Wallis truly had no purpose in life other than the superficial: decorating, entertaining, socializing with the elite...and becoming the elite. The former king had no sense of duty to his country and was lacking in any depth. He abdicated his kingdom for a shallow gold digger who had no love and respect for him. All I can say is, England triumphed in the end when they both exiled to France.

I have read a couple of other books on this subject that I found more satisfying that interested readers might want to partake of:

Wallis: A Novel: If you enjoy the way Phillipa Gregory presents her novels in first person narration format, you'll love this. Of course, the author takes much poetic license in presenting the facts as they could have happened, but it's easier and much more pleasurable to digest....more

On June of 1896, Bessie Wallis Warfield was born. In November of that same year, her tubercular father died. Her mother was two months pregnant when they married, which gave her a bad start in the social life in the south. Her mother’s father and step-mother did not offer to take them in. The only family that offered to take care of mother and child was uncle Sol Warfield, who Wallis thought of as a grumpy miser. He allowed them to live with him, and provided enough money to feed them, and eventOn June of 1896, Bessie Wallis Warfield was born. In November of that same year, her tubercular father died. Her mother was two months pregnant when they married, which gave her a bad start in the social life in the south. Her mother’s father and step-mother did not offer to take them in. The only family that offered to take care of mother and child was uncle Sol Warfield, who Wallis thought of as a grumpy miser. He allowed them to live with him, and provided enough money to feed them, and eventually paid for Wallis’s education. This stung Wallis; she never had enough to please her. An apocryphal story says that Wallis’s first words were “Me, me!” rather than “Ma, ma!”

Her uncle made sure she entered into society, and she wasted no time in marrying. Her first husband was a Navy pilot who adored her, but he was an alcoholic and would never be rich. The circles he ran in, however, allowed her to meet people with more money; her second husband was a shipping broker who could provide her with the life to which she wanted to become accustomed to. And that allowed her into even higher circles; she met the Prince of Wales. And he became infatuated with her; he showered her with gifts and attention, while her husband thoughtfully stayed in the background- he had a lover, too. Soon, it seemed, she would be able to become queen. The only problem was that, even if she divorced her husband, as a twice divorced woman, and a commoner, she was ineligible to become queen. They could marry if they wished, but she wouldn’t have the title. Or he could abdicate his position. This was unacceptable to her. Meanwhile the king had died and Edward was on the throne that beckoned to Wallis. Against her wishes, Edward abdicated, leaving him free to marry but denying Wallis a royal title. Ever after, she treated Edward shabbily.

But none of the three men she married was the love of her life. That was Herman Rogers, a long time close friend who frequently managed her affairs (financial, that is). On the eve of her marriage to Edward, she went to the happily married Rogers and offered to have his child. He never took her up on her offer.

Wallis was a thoroughly unpleasant person. She took everything she could and did not give back. Her wit was biting and cruel. The man who gave up the throne of England for her was treated as a servant in his own house. It’s a good thing for the world, however, that she did seduce him- he was pro-Nazi and thought Hitler was a fine fellow (so did Wallis- they had dealing with high up Nazis). If it had been him rather than his brother on the throne, WW 2 might have turned out very differently.

I can’t say that I like Wallis one bit more than I did before after reading this deeply researched account of her life. Even her aunt who always took her side didn’t believe that Wallis had ever done anything worthwhile. She was simply famous for being famous. I do, however, understand her better. She grew up in poverty in the middle of people who had more. Her first marriage had her living in shabby circumstances. But rather than work her way to better things, she used men for that.

I found the book very interesting and well written. I have to admit that reading about Wallis was a bit tiring because she was such a dreadful person and an inveterate liar. I give the book five stars, because there is no way any biographer could make her look good. The author managed to hold my interest despite my dislike of the subject.

Thanks to goodreads and the publisher for a free copy of Wallis in Love. This is a well-written, informative biography of someone who I find next-to-impossible to like. Kudos to the author for making this such an interesting read. Would definitely recommend to people who enjoy non-fiction and particularly biographies related to the royal family.

There is nothing in this book that has been "untold", since people have been writing about the Duchess of Windsor for decades. She was (and remains) a woman with a lot of enemies. Wallis was also someone who accomplished nothing at all, or at least nothing that has lasted. You don't get many admirers because you dressed well, set a fantastic table and kept attractive homes. She was important from January-December, 1936, when Edward VIII was King of England. Morton challenges even that, since heThere is nothing in this book that has been "untold", since people have been writing about the Duchess of Windsor for decades. She was (and remains) a woman with a lot of enemies. Wallis was also someone who accomplished nothing at all, or at least nothing that has lasted. You don't get many admirers because you dressed well, set a fantastic table and kept attractive homes. She was important from January-December, 1936, when Edward VIII was King of England. Morton challenges even that, since he is unable to identify Wallis' fatal attraction. He seems to imply that after Thelma Furness divorced her husband, any married woman would have done as a substitute "wife" for the Prince of Wales. Mrs. Ernest Simpson just happened to be leading the pack at that particular moment. There may be something to that, but we will never know. That's about as deep as Morton's analysis gets in Wallis in Love, which incidentally makes no sense as a title. If Morton is correct, Wallis never had the personality to love anyone save . . . Wallis. He tries to indicate that the one true love of her life was a friend named Herman Rogers. If so, she had a peculiar way of handling it. There is literally no evidence of anything other than a close friendship with Herman and his first wife, Morton trots out a "bombshell" that Rogers claimed years later that Wallis had suggested he impregnate her --- at 43 --- just before her wedding so that the Duke would think the baby was his. Because in 1937 a middle-aged woman believed that she would get pregnant the first time out of the gate, so to speak. Of course, Morton believes that neither the Spencer or the Simpson marriage had been consummated, although she had been carrying on like a house afire with Felipe Espil, an Argentinian diplomat she had known in Washington. Morton also introduces us to Courtney Letts, who later married Espil, and whom he presents as a Wallis doppelganger. Or something. What she is doing as she scampers through the Morton book is never made clear.

Nor did she change the monarchy. She changed the monarch, which isn't the same thing. It may well be that future King William and Queen Catherine will change the institution, but it remains pretty much what it was when Edward left the throne. Hidebound and resistant to change.

Nothing to see here, move along. Or don't if you have to read everything you can about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. They are one of my historical guilty pleasures. But even for me, this was a pretty thin book....more

Well written and interesting, this book follows Wallis Simpson from her early years through the end of her life. Vilified as the tramp who stole Edward from the throne, this book painted a different picture.

It was the future and short-lived role of King, that Edward clearly did not want. In many ways, Wallis helped rescue him, rather than how she is painted by many authors. He was a play boy who never really studied for the throne. His father in particular thought very little of him.

When her faWell written and interesting, this book follows Wallis Simpson from her early years through the end of her life. Vilified as the tramp who stole Edward from the throne, this book painted a different picture.

It was the future and short-lived role of King, that Edward clearly did not want. In many ways, Wallis helped rescue him, rather than how she is painted by many authors. He was a play boy who never really studied for the throne. His father in particular thought very little of him.

When her father died, her mother had to scrimp to live. Relying on Wallis' Uncle Sol, it was he who paid for Wallis' boarding school tuition. Young when she was drawn to an air force pilot, she moved to Florida and tried to make a lonely life worth living. This husband was incredibly abusive. Living in an age when women took the blame when there was a divorce, Wallis tried hard to move up through the social classes.

A second divorce occurred so that she could marry the King. She regretted this decision. Supremely unhappy together, Edward didn't want the throne, but life with Wallis was not something to relish.

Author Andrew Morton faced a herculean task - researching and crafting a biography of a wholly unlikable public figure who often sparks vitriol in the hearts and minds of people, even today. After slogging through this book, it's clear that Morton did little more than his due diligence in researching the Duchess of Windsor's (formerly Wallis Warfield, Winn, Simpson) whirlwind of a life. There wasn't much new information. And, in the process, he did a poor job of humanizing her, but maybe that waAuthor Andrew Morton faced a herculean task - researching and crafting a biography of a wholly unlikable public figure who often sparks vitriol in the hearts and minds of people, even today. After slogging through this book, it's clear that Morton did little more than his due diligence in researching the Duchess of Windsor's (formerly Wallis Warfield, Winn, Simpson) whirlwind of a life. There wasn't much new information. And, in the process, he did a poor job of humanizing her, but maybe that wasn't his intention.

I would have enjoyed this book more if Andrew Morton had dug a little deeper. Wallis' anxiety is glossed over in parts of the narrative. Why was she anxious? How did this impact her daily life? How did she overcome it or at least learn to live with it? What about her "poor childhood" gave her an inflated sense of self and her place in high society? What correlations are there between Wallis, thrice married, and her mother, Alice, also thrice married and off trailblazing her own path in life, society rules be damned? And what about the Duke and Duchess' connection with the Nazis? That would have been interesting reading! The book seemed to cover nothing more than what was necessary, seemingly opting to cash in on the interest in Wallis due to the popular Netflix show, The Crown, instead of digging in and uncovering new information.

My biggest complaint; however, with this book is that it is poorly written. This book could have been so much more, so full of life, as was the subject if the author had shied away from his reliance on the passive voice. The narrative switches tenses; one minute we're in the past tense and then figures long dead are being spoken of in the present tense. The narrative is choppy, bouncing back and forth in time so much it became difficult to ground myself in where I was within the story. Who was the reigning monarch - George VI or Elizabeth II? Was it before World War II or after?Sentences are poorly constructed. I often found myself rewriting sentences in my head as I read. For a traditionally published book by a well-known publishing house, I was unimpressed. ...more

I was under the mistaken impression that Wallis Simpson was a misunderstood woman who fell in love with the King of England. My eyes have been opened to the truth.

Wallis was a young girl who felt she deserved the best of everything. Men were her stepping stones to get what she wanted. She was a very selfish person who didn't care who she hurt or who she used to get what she wanted. Her very calculated way of moving up the ladder hurt many people; men who loved her and women who were her friends.I was under the mistaken impression that Wallis Simpson was a misunderstood woman who fell in love with the King of England. My eyes have been opened to the truth.

Wallis was a young girl who felt she deserved the best of everything. Men were her stepping stones to get what she wanted. She was a very selfish person who didn't care who she hurt or who she used to get what she wanted. Her very calculated way of moving up the ladder hurt many people; men who loved her and women who were her friends. King Edward VIII of England was a man who wanted her to dominate him and he gave up his throne for her. He complained to everyone that he didn't want to be King even before he met her, during his many affairs with married women who babied him. This book portrays him as a weak and pathetic man. He must have been to allow her to walk all over him. He died in the arms of a nurse with Wallis in the room next door. He hadn't even seen her in days. He couldn't give her the title of Queen and she couldn't give him the time of day....more

"Wallis in Love" explores the life of Wallis Simpson, the woman who changed the course of the British Monarchy. Twice divorced, she charmed Edward VIII who ended up abdicating the throne. It was supposed to be a great love story but in many ways, it seemed only to imprison Wallis and Edward. Fairy tales are not always what they seem!

I love all things related to royalty so when I heard that Andrew Morton was coming out with this book, I jumped at the chance to read it! I knew about Wallis meeting"Wallis in Love" explores the life of Wallis Simpson, the woman who changed the course of the British Monarchy. Twice divorced, she charmed Edward VIII who ended up abdicating the throne. It was supposed to be a great love story but in many ways, it seemed only to imprison Wallis and Edward. Fairy tales are not always what they seem!

I love all things related to royalty so when I heard that Andrew Morton was coming out with this book, I jumped at the chance to read it! I knew about Wallis meeting Edward and I knew about the abdication debacle but I didn't realize until I dove into this book how little I knew about Wallis. This book traces all the way back to when she was a little girl and it was fascinating to see the transformation from the girl from Baltimore to one of the most controversial women in history with regard to the British monarchy.

Morton both lays out who Wallis was and who she wasn't. People all across the world were very concerned when Edward abdicated. I was interested especially in the way that politicians worldwide were concerned about what the abdication might do in shaking up the political order of the world even with the monarch being perhaps the spiritual leader of the country but not the political leader.

Morton also squashes some of the rumors that were spread about Wallis at the height of abdication mania. Like many women in the public eye, she had a lot of pretty hurtful rumors spread about her. Some seemed to bother her more than others. I liked seeing what was true and untrue and why certain rumors seemed to shake the public's psyche, while others were put to rest rather quickly.

Overall, this was a good look at Wallis and will interest my fellow royal watchers!

I tried and tried to get into this, but just could not. I did look at the photos and skimmed and browsed through a few sections, but the story just never caught my attention.

A couple of interesting tidbits that I picked up: In her younger years, Wallis was known as Bessie. Imagine that name for a Duchess. Also, she and the Duke were not pleased when King George declared that Wallis would not be addressed as HRH. Finally, she did not enjoy living in what I would call a fishbowl, even after EdwardI tried and tried to get into this, but just could not. I did look at the photos and skimmed and browsed through a few sections, but the story just never caught my attention.

A couple of interesting tidbits that I picked up: In her younger years, Wallis was known as Bessie. Imagine that name for a Duchess. Also, she and the Duke were not pleased when King George declared that Wallis would not be addressed as HRH. Finally, she did not enjoy living in what I would call a fishbowl, even after Edward had abdicated.

I'm not sure this marriage would have survived if she (and the Duke) had not been living in said fishbowl. Also, I cannot imagine how this relationship would have developed or survived in this day of social media....more

Before there was reality TV, and social media influencers, and before there was television, let alone the NetFlix drama The Crown, there was Wallis Simpson. How did a down on her luck Baltimore gal create the love affair of the century? She became famous for being famous through sheer force of will.

Was she a “socially ambitious viper, who would do anything, walk over anyone, to get what she wanted?” Possibly, but after reading this people-filled saga, I’m not sure even Wallis herself knew whatBefore there was reality TV, and social media influencers, and before there was television, let alone the NetFlix drama The Crown, there was Wallis Simpson. How did a down on her luck Baltimore gal create the love affair of the century? She became famous for being famous through sheer force of will.

Was she a “socially ambitious viper, who would do anything, walk over anyone, to get what she wanted?” Possibly, but after reading this people-filled saga, I’m not sure even Wallis herself knew what she wanted. She did know what she didn’t want- she didn’t want to be poor, or ordinary.

I only knew the basic story about Wallis, so for me it was fascinating to read about her early life, her marriages and then her meet-cute with the clueless Prince. I especially enjoyed reading about their life in World War II and possible Nazi sympathies. I wish I could have attended one of their dinner parties or soirées.

Andrew Morton is one of the world's best-known biographers and I highly recommend this readable and fast-paced book, crammed with interesting tidbits.Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for letting me read this book....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Painful reading/listening. I trust this author implicitly, yet had no idea really what this historic character was made of....

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.A fascinating book!! Bessie Wallis Warfield is a prudish, rather obsessive girl from Baltimore. As a child she was imaginative, ambitious and extremely spoiled. Most of her life was a search for status and social acceptance. Her father died when she was young, and she frequently clashed with her mother. Wallis was simply never satisfied with her lot. She dreamed of being a princess and admitted she happily allowed her mother to sacrifice her health in order to give Wallis the best. She lived shoA fascinating book!! Bessie Wallis Warfield is a prudish, rather obsessive girl from Baltimore. As a child she was imaginative, ambitious and extremely spoiled. Most of her life was a search for status and social acceptance. Her father died when she was young, and she frequently clashed with her mother. Wallis was simply never satisfied with her lot. She dreamed of being a princess and admitted she happily allowed her mother to sacrifice her health in order to give Wallis the best. She lived short of poverty due to the largesse of her Uncle Sol. All the while she complained about how little he did for her. Many wealthier friends, over the years, helped her by giving her clothes. Every relationship she had with s friend was used to further her status, increase her social acceptance, allow her to meet newer, wealthier men. She had no qualms over pursuing men who belonged to her friends. In time she married, and divorced, twice. She traveled to Washington, China, France, the United States, and London. She fought constantly to climb the social ladder and take her place in London society. Nearly all who knew her described her as hard, brittle, and enormously egocentric. But eventually she won the attention and affection of Edward VIII who became king and abdicated for her. English royalty did not ever accept her. She was never allowed to be called Her Royal Highness snd she became deeply embittered.While she always maintained she never slept with her first two husbands (who both found comfort elsewhere), she did have some passionate affairs. By all accounts, Edward was pathetically devoted to her for more than 25 years, while she could barely tolerate him. All in all, this is a fascinating story of two extremely egocentric, almost pathetic, people snd their place in history. Great readingMany famous names in history are here...more

I've never been a big fan of Andrew Morton's books. His collaboration with Princess Diana struck me more as the collaboration of 2 people each out to use each other than anything like "her true story". However, this is an excellent biography that is both fair and entertaining.

I have read quite a few books about Wallis Simpson over the years, starting with "The Woman He Loved" by Ralph G Martin. I find her utterly fascinating, but the more I read about her, the less I like her. Along with thousands of other people, I cannot fathom what it was about her that made a king give up his throne.

This book takes a totally different tack than the others I've read. Andrew Morton dedicates this entire book to defining the relationship between Wallis and Herman Rogers, the only mI have read quite a few books about Wallis Simpson over the years, starting with "The Woman He Loved" by Ralph G Martin. I find her utterly fascinating, but the more I read about her, the less I like her. Along with thousands of other people, I cannot fathom what it was about her that made a king give up his throne.

This book takes a totally different tack than the others I've read. Andrew Morton dedicates this entire book to defining the relationship between Wallis and Herman Rogers, the only man she ever really loved. He details her various dalliances throughout the years, but Herman is "the man". According to Morton, Wallis could barely tolerate the duke by the end of his life, but she was stuck in a situation that she had ardently desired and had ruthlessly pursued. Everything I've ever read, though, indicates that the duke truly adored her. Go figure.

I found two bits of information that I never knew before:1. Gertrude Stein was a neighbor of Wallis back in Baltimore and actually based her book "Ida" on the duchess. Ida is famous for being famous. Ha! Wallis was famous for being famous long before any Kardashian was ever a glimmer in her daddy's eye.2. Upton Sinclair and Wallis Simpson were cousins. He parodied her quest to become HRH in his 1936 play titled "Wally for Queen". He claimed he wanted to provide a little fun for his readers, but the duke and duchess were not amused.

I honestly believe that if Meghan Markle ever gets the title HRH, Wallis and Edward both will rise from their graves, hunt her down, and tear the crown from her head....more

Like many other young women, when growing up I thought that Wallis Simpson and Edward, Prince of Wales, were a match made in heaven. Theirs was truly a romantic marriage: however, over time I learned that although the former king worshiped the ground she walked on, the twice-divorced Mrs. Simpson was just looking to become his queen. Her whole existence revolved around elevating her social position and becoming the Queen, not loving her prince. What should have been a fairytale story with a beauLike many other young women, when growing up I thought that Wallis Simpson and Edward, Prince of Wales, were a match made in heaven. Theirs was truly a romantic marriage: however, over time I learned that although the former king worshiped the ground she walked on, the twice-divorced Mrs. Simpson was just looking to become his queen. Her whole existence revolved around elevating her social position and becoming the Queen, not loving her prince. What should have been a fairytale story with a beautiful ending was a sad, fickle piece of history that imprisoned both Wallis and Edward. Fairy tales are not always what they seem. . .

The author’s writing and research was adequate. However, as I read further into book’s chapters, my distaste for both the Duke and Duchess of Windsor was never more resonating. Wallis had no purpose in life other than decorating, entertaining, socializing, and becoming the “elite.” The former king had no sense of duty to his country and, lacking depth, he abdicated his kingdom for a gold digger who neither loved nor respected him. Mrs. Simpson wanted a piece of royalty that she never achieved; the Duke didn’t want to be King, he just wanted the status and perks associated with the title. These two are the most unlikable pair in English history. Neither was smart, in fact I believe she often shared the fact that both of them had ever really read book!...more

I've read a lot about Mrs. Simpson and the Duke of Windsor, but this was a new spin.I think there should have been a subtitle "The Grass isn't Always Greener". Neither one of them ever thought the whole thing through. Mrs. Simpson wanted a piece of royalty and she never got it. Shunned by the Royals from the beginning did she really think they would warm up to her as soon as they married. The Duke, I don't think he wanted to be King, but wanted the status and perks associated with it. Their lifeI've read a lot about Mrs. Simpson and the Duke of Windsor, but this was a new spin.I think there should have been a subtitle "The Grass isn't Always Greener". Neither one of them ever thought the whole thing through. Mrs. Simpson wanted a piece of royalty and she never got it. Shunned by the Royals from the beginning did she really think they would warm up to her as soon as they married. The Duke, I don't think he wanted to be King, but wanted the status and perks associated with it. Their life together seems to have been party after party. After a while even those who they knew in the Royal set didn't want anything to do with them. Too bad.Once these events were set in motion it looked complicated to put a stop to it. She wouldn't have been the first left standing at the altar.

Makes you look back and wonder what the Royal family would look like today if Edward decided not to go through with the marriage and who would be on the throne right now.

It's difficult to know, with a book like this, how to rate it. It's about people I found pitiful. And I'm unclear how to judge the writing. Such a book is judged by it's research, how well-written it is, how well sourced, whether there is new material, etc. At one point, Wallis throws herself to the ground and has a tantrum. That event isn't sourced. Where did the info come from? That's just one example, but the book raises so many questions about their relationship. How were they in private? SoIt's difficult to know, with a book like this, how to rate it. It's about people I found pitiful. And I'm unclear how to judge the writing. Such a book is judged by it's research, how well-written it is, how well sourced, whether there is new material, etc. At one point, Wallis throws herself to the ground and has a tantrum. That event isn't sourced. Where did the info come from? That's just one example, but the book raises so many questions about their relationship. How were they in private? Some is known--the duke's fawning, the duchess's at times cruel treatment of her husband. They were apparently extremely selfish. There wasn't enough probing for me to praise it highly. Their personas were consistent, and so strange and atrocious, it makes me wonder if there wasn't more to them. Maybe not. I'm left feeling that only one side of the story was told. I mean, wasn't she even kind to her dog? The couple was so bizarre they were interesting....more

Interesting book----not really new information but I hadn't read much about her so a lot was new to me. He has done a lot of research and one thing I did like was when he quoted people or her friends, he put them in context (were they love rivals, did they have anything to gain/lose by befriending her,etc). Part that was annoying was the typos and awkward sentences. One thing I learned was boy were those people all loose!

Interesting to learn more about her. She certainly doesn't come off well here; grasping and always wanting more, ultimately unhappy. But that has always struck me about her, even with my limited knowledge.

No doubt she fundamentally changed the monarchy. But the author has an interesting position: that she actually *saved* the monarchy by removing an unapologetic Nazi sympathizer from the throne of England in the run up to and during WWII (which would have been a disaster, needless to say). I donInteresting to learn more about her. She certainly doesn't come off well here; grasping and always wanting more, ultimately unhappy. But that has always struck me about her, even with my limited knowledge.

No doubt she fundamentally changed the monarchy. But the author has an interesting position: that she actually *saved* the monarchy by removing an unapologetic Nazi sympathizer from the throne of England in the run up to and during WWII (which would have been a disaster, needless to say). I don't believe he was a Nazi spy (although many think he was); frankly, I don't think he was smart or crafty enough. But not for nothing was he sent far, far away to the Bahamas during WWII, where he had no ability to meddle in world affairs and where he could be kept firmly under thumb.

My only complaint about the narrative: I would have liked to know more about her exclusion from the Duke's funeral in 1972. As disgraced as he was, as a former king, he got somewhat of a "to-do" for a funeral. (They are buried at Frogmore, same estate as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.) She was not permitted to attend. I have seen a stunningly haunting photograph of her, partially hidden behind curtains in a window, looking down at the procession. The Queen Mother *loathed* the woman, and I'm sure she had something (perhaps everything) to do with her exclusion. Wanted to know more about this.

Andrew Morton is a biographer known for his sensationalism and sometimes tawdry details about celebrities. He is also known for extensive digging into a person's past - every interview, letter, comment, etc. Both of these facts about Morton make him a fun biographer to read; who doesn't love some gossip.

Morton's key subjects have been members of the Royal Family. Of the more recent generations of the Royal Family, the one member most "hated" is Wallis Simpson, the Dutchess of Windsor. Books abouAndrew Morton is a biographer known for his sensationalism and sometimes tawdry details about celebrities. He is also known for extensive digging into a person's past - every interview, letter, comment, etc. Both of these facts about Morton make him a fun biographer to read; who doesn't love some gossip.

Morton's key subjects have been members of the Royal Family. Of the more recent generations of the Royal Family, the one member most "hated" is Wallis Simpson, the Dutchess of Windsor. Books about her - including an autobiography- have not been the most factual- since the Dutchess has been known to tell different stories about the same people and events. She- herself - being the most elusive.

What is known about Wallis is that from an early age she was described as ambitious, spoiled and a gold-digger. Her quest was always to climb a higher social ladder - the ultimate being London Society. Wallis grew up in Baltimore. She married her first husband, an American, young. He was a dashing naval aviator. Supposedly, their marriage of over 5 years was never consumated.

The aviator turned out to be an alcoholic; Wallis was able to divorce him. Then, there was husband number 2 - a prosperous British-American businessman. Supposedly, that marriage was never consumated either. But, during that marriage, Wallis began to live in England. She began her climb up the British Social ladder. Along the way, she was introduced to the Duke of Windsor, then the future king.

Still married, Wallis made a quest for the King. While their "affair" began and continued - with full knowledge of Wallis' husband, years went by before Wallis applied for a divorce. The now-King wanted Wallis recognized as his queen at his coronation. The British Church and government would not allow it.

The King could have gone ahead with his coronation and then married Wallis - but in reality, the King never wanted to be king. He wanted to abdicate - and having his marriage to Wallis forbidden was a perfect excuse. Wallis wanted him to hold off abdicating; she would hold off divorcing her 2nd husband. Then, there was a possible future of her becoming Queen - the ultimate rung of London Society.

In the end, Edward abdicated. He became the Duke of Windsor, she, the Dutchess. Forevermore, scorned by the Royal Family and British Society. Their life together was sad.

I believe that Wallis was incapable of loving anyone. She was a cold person who used others to gain what she thought was her rightful place in society. Edward was weak, bullied and belittled.

Andrew Morton is incapable of writing a biography - he writes books in which he either loves or intensely dislikes his subjects. In this book, he chooses to intensely dislike the Duchess of Windsor. He's not alone in his views and by all neutral accounts, she was rather unlikable. However, once again, he has produced a book based on gossip, people's chats with the author, excerpts from other works, some source material and then he has spun it into a gossipy, salacious, opinionated publication. SAndrew Morton is incapable of writing a biography - he writes books in which he either loves or intensely dislikes his subjects. In this book, he chooses to intensely dislike the Duchess of Windsor. He's not alone in his views and by all neutral accounts, she was rather unlikable. However, once again, he has produced a book based on gossip, people's chats with the author, excerpts from other works, some source material and then he has spun it into a gossipy, salacious, opinionated publication. Some of his material is unbelievably careless - on p. 326 he discusses a painting (which, by his analysis, shows they were "a couple without an ounce of personal interaction"). This painting is "tucked away in a concrete storage facility at the rear of the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore". On p. 337, he writes that this painting "now hangs in the Museum". Some basic copy editing would have caught this.Throughout the book Morton has chosen to gloss over details, skip over in-depth research and go for the gossip over the serious facts and research. Some of the material about the Windsors and their fascination with the Nazis and their flirtation with fascism is clearly drawn from his previous book "17 Carnations". But it is primarily buried under lists of which society mavens they associated with in Portugal, France, Spain and so on.If on wants a gossipy read that spins a good tale and if one isn't worried about detailed research or fact-checking, this will fill the bill. But there are much better, real biographies out there....more

I have read many books about the Windsors and the royal family- and even have the auction catalog from the historic auction of the Duchess’s belongings. I did not learn a lot of new information but I did enjoy Morton’s writing and research. I read the Kindle edition and would have liked a few more photos (which the print edition may have?). Their lives, though lush and comfortable were terribly sad and empty, lacking purpose and meaning. Still, it is fascinating to read about them and the King’sI have read many books about the Windsors and the royal family- and even have the auction catalog from the historic auction of the Duchess’s belongings. I did not learn a lot of new information but I did enjoy Morton’s writing and research. I read the Kindle edition and would have liked a few more photos (which the print edition may have?). Their lives, though lush and comfortable were terribly sad and empty, lacking purpose and meaning. Still, it is fascinating to read about them and the King’s momentous decision to abdicate even all these years later....more

Simply put, this book portrays Wallis Simpson in what seems to be her true light. One of those women who’ll do almost anything to attain what she wants; money, power, & status. She accomplishes this by infiltrating herself with people of considerable wealth, most from either rich powerful families, or by marriages resulting in such. Originally from Baltimore, the journey of attaining Wallis’s ultimate goal is first financed by a rich uncle, who pays for private schooling, coming out parties,Simply put, this book portrays Wallis Simpson in what seems to be her true light. One of those women who’ll do almost anything to attain what she wants; money, power, & status. She accomplishes this by infiltrating herself with people of considerable wealth, most from either rich powerful families, or by marriages resulting in such. Originally from Baltimore, the journey of attaining Wallis’s ultimate goal is first financed by a rich uncle, who pays for private schooling, coming out parties, etc. Her mother’s sister, Aunt Bessie, is another source, providing funds for Wallis’s travels on cruises to exotic locations such as China, France, the Mediterranean, and the like. Wallis’s 1st husband, an Air Force man she weds at an early age, struggles with a drinking problem, dissatisfaction with his military career, & Wallis’s volatile temper. When she decides divorce is the only answer, it becomes a lengthy endeavor, giving Wallis the chance to embark on a tempestuous love affair while overseas, & many other affairs of the heart. Seeking a divorce in China doesn’t pan out, but Wallis befriends many other Americans of high social stature during her time there. Visits to France & other overseas destinations for extended periods result in more climbs up the social ladder, including meeting persons of royalty, or with connections thereto. Wallis travels back to Baltimore upon discovering the divorce she’s found so difficult to obtain is easily granted when both parties assert proper legal grounds in court. She’s now free to marry her next target, Ernest Simpson, an American businessman running a shipping company based in England. Upon divorcing his 1st wife, he & Wallis tie the knot, & she joins him in England. Wallis loathes her life there, the weather is gray & rainy all the time, the people are uppity, & she finds her husband’s passion for visiting old castles boring. The purchase of a London apartment which Wallis lavishly decorates brightens her spirits, & she begins to throw dinner parties for her preferred company, mostly Americans living or visiting England. Her husband’s company keeps him busy, & struggles to stay afloat, causing uproar when it comes to Wallis’s spending habits. On many occasions, often without Ernest, she travels to France for extensive visits with good friends Herman & Kathleen Rogers, a wealthy couple she has great affection for, especially Herman, a man she continues to rely upon until his death. The huge circle of friends, cohorts, & those Wallis sees as able to help her get ahead, results in the eventual meeting Edward, Prince of Wales. (There are so many people of all types involved in Wallis’s daily dealings, I decided early on it wasn’t worth keeping up with who they were). Wallis charms Edward, & sees herself becoming Queen one day after getting her hooks into him. And the rest of the story comes as no surprise, Edward becomes King once his father dies, serves for a year, & then abdicates. Wallis sees her chance to become Queen, but now twice divorced, & a commoner, the Royal Family shuns her. Jumping ahead, once married, the only role granted her, Duchess of Windsor, doesn’t contain an HRH. Wallis, shallow as ever, insists others curtesy to her anyway.

It’s unsettling to know that Hitler supported Edward in his endeavors to win back the throne & make Wallis Queen when Germany was @ war with England, as Edward was both his friend and admirer. Also disgusting is how Edward’s admiration continued long after WWII ends, as evidenced by his inexcusable, disparaging comments about Jewish people @ a dinner party, which are strongly & vocally admonished by the host.

The long marriage between Wallis & Edward takes it’s toll on Wallis. The wretched cruel manner she displays towards him in front of others is truly deplorable. It’s beyond belief that Edward endures this behavior, seemingly wanting more of it, as if he’s Wallis’s lap dog. The book emphasizes the lack of intelligence Edward seems to possess, with one depiction being a thank you given to Winston Churchill after receiving a signed copy of Churchill’s book, i.e., “I’ll place it on the shelf next to all my other books.” Clearly, Edward had no interest in reading or learning. Watching TV was more his style.

Although their relationship’s been portrayed throughout history as a great love story, the book makes it clear Edward never really wanted to bear the duties of being King, & at least initially used Wallis as his reason not to. And there was no actual encouragement on Wallis’s part for him to give up the throne, once it was clear she wouldn’t reap the benefits she’d assumed would inure to her if he did. Both were very naive about what the future would bring, & also oblivious of the treatment to be bestowed by the House of Windsor concerning the matter. By the time Edward did abdicate, he was in love with Wallis, & still believed his family would have a change of heart. And Wallis was thrust into the position of going through with the marriage.

All in all, this book portrays two individuals who have little clue what true happiness, let alone love, really can be. It’s the same old saga, i.e., no amount of money, clothes, jewels, furs, fancy cars, furnishings, lavish castles, trips on yachts to lush exotic places accompanied by so called “friends”, can serve as a replacement for what’s inside all of us. It’s knowing how to use the inherent traits we possess as human beings; the capacity to give instead of take, the capacity to love instead of hate, & the capacity to forgive instead of blame....more

Andrew David Morton (born 1953) is one of the world's best-known biographers and a leading authority on modern celebrity. His groundbreaking biography Diana: Her True Story was a #1 New York Times bestseller, as was Monica's Story, an authorized biography of Monica Lewinsky, and Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography. The winner of numerous awards, including Author of the Year, his other New York TAndrew David Morton (born 1953) is one of the world's best-known biographers and a leading authority on modern celebrity. His groundbreaking biography Diana: Her True Story was a #1 New York Times bestseller, as was Monica's Story, an authorized biography of Monica Lewinsky, and Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography. The winner of numerous awards, including Author of the Year, his other New York Times bestsellers include unauthorized biographies of Madonna and Angelina Jolie, as well as William & Catherine: Their Story. A former British Fleet Street tabloid journalist,he studied history at the University of Sussex. He lives in London.